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Stitching & Crafting Room:  What kind of sewing machine do you have?  |
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theherblady
True Blue Farmgirl
510 Posts
Jan
Glasford
Illinois
USA
510 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 17 2006 : 07:52:30 AM
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I have a beginner singer sewing machine...but I am thinking of upgrading to a Janome~~
What brand do you have and how is that working for you?
Jan |
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quilt8305
True Blue Farmgirl
409 Posts
Mary
Spokane
WA
USA
409 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2006 : 08:38:25 AM
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I have a Janome Memory Craft 4800. I LOVE IT!!!!
Mary
Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding. Albert Einstein |
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Julia
True Blue Farmgirl
1949 Posts
Julia
Shelton
WA
USA
1949 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2006 : 09:23:11 AM
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I mostly use my grandmother's singer feather weight. It doesn't do anything fancy, but it its a great machine. I also have a Kenmore, yick. I got to sew on a Janome not to long ago. I really liked it. I was told that you can get a Jamome at Wal-mart for $69. I am going to check into that.
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
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blueroses
True Blue Farmgirl
1323 Posts
Debbie
in the Pandhandle of
Idaho
USA
1323 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2006 : 10:53:23 AM
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I have a Singer zig-zag from the 1970's. It still works great, but the zipper foot broke off it's anchor and I'm having a really hard time replacing it. I hate to have to get a new machine, but I've tried to use universal zipper foots and they don't fit. Any suggestions?
Debbie
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2006 : 11:02:48 AM
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I have an old Singer from the 50's or 60's. (it is turquoise!!!) but mostly use my one year old very cheap Singer ..very basic machine that only cost around $100 new. I don't do any fancy stitches so either of these work great for me.
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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OregonGal
True Blue Farmgirl
511 Posts
Chris
No. IL
USA
511 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2006 : 12:10:23 PM
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I have a White sewing machine. I also have a serger that I haven't used even once, Pfaff.
I like my White machine - it does some fancy stitches, and I really like the buttonhole attachment 'cause it does perfect buttonholes all by itself. I mostly just use it for straight and zigzag stitching....I'm satisfied and it suits my needs.
"...a merry heart does good like a medicine, it has the power to cure." |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2006 : 12:35:32 PM
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A few years ago my mom and dad gave my sister and I each a loverly new Bernina activa 140/patchwork sewing machine - it's my first machine, and it was SUCH an amazing Christmas surprise! I have to say, I feel so lucky to have this one. I have had no trouble at all with it, and I'd recommend it to anybody. From talking with my sis, she really likes hers, too. Before I had a sewing machine, I didn't really think I'd use it that much, and now, well, it seems like I use it all the time - for fun and for "real."
I've never heard of Janome before, but they sound really nice, too.
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9094 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9094 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2006 : 2:09:04 PM
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Debbie,
I have a singer machine from about the same time period, I never use the zipper foot, that is different then the reg. presser foot right? I have the box of extra parts that came with it so maybe I have the zipper foot. Is this a good thing, or is the problem bigger then that?
NANCY JO |
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happymama58
True Blue Farmgirl
1210 Posts
Patti
Missouri
USA
1210 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2006 : 2:56:11 PM
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You're not going to believe this (since I don't know much about sewing -- which is obvious from my post on the St. Patrick's swap thread  ), but I have a Bernina.
Very long story short -- about 16 years ago we moved to a new town and I stopped in a quilt store because they had a gorgeous quilt in the window. It would have been perfect for our bedroom but it was over $500, which I couldn't afford. The owner of the shop told me I could make almost the exact same thing in a $35 class she taught. I didn't own a sewing machine, but she had Berninas in the back room for classes and said I could take one home during the week.
I sewed like crazy & completed my quilt top. The week after I finished, my parents came to visit (we were living in Texas). My dad's mother had been an avid quilter, but my mom never sewed a stitch. My dad had just been diagnosed with cancer when they came to see us. My dad was noticeably surprised and impressed when he saw my quilt top. He died 6 months later, just a few weeks before my birthday. On my birthday, my dh gave me my Bernina, which my dad had asked him (before he died) to give me in case he wasn't there to give it to me himself. It makes me cry to tell it even 16 years (this month) later!
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.blogspot.com/ |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9094 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9094 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2006 : 3:12:03 PM
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PATTI
Wow what sad happy story, and what for thought of your Father for you.
NANCY JO
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2006 : 4:53:04 PM
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Patti..what a sweet story. I just love things like that...they mean so much!! And you are making great use of it!!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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Julia
True Blue Farmgirl
1949 Posts
Julia
Shelton
WA
USA
1949 Posts |
Posted - Mar 18 2006 : 11:01:10 AM
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WOw, Patti! What a great dad you had. And to have something very tangible to remember him by is so special.
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
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Kathigene
True Blue Farmgirl
160 Posts
Kathy
New York
160 Posts |
Posted - Mar 18 2006 : 12:53:30 PM
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What do you think about a refurbished machine? I've found a refurbished Janome machine specifically for quilting. For example it has a walking foot and extras like that for under $200. It is being offered by a well known company and with a 5 year limited warranty. It sounds like a great deal but I haven't bought a new sewing machine in years. I haven't quilted before but it's something I've always wanted to do. I've done plenty of other types of sewing, making clothes, stuffed animals, etc. and love to do that type of sewing. Does it sound like a deal to you more knowledgable ladies?
Kathy
Dogs make such good friends because they wag their tails rather then their tongues. |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2006 : 09:38:08 AM
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I was just talking with my mum, and she has a new Pfaff, and she loves having the automatic needle threader, but she feels that Berninas run smoother. She doesn't use it a lot, but she does like it... - just another little bit of info.
My grandmother purchased a refurbished old, old, OLD Pfaff - she is an amazing seamstress - really a professional - and it was great for her. She bought it in around 1948 and it ran until 1960. Not bad, eh! She replaced it with another used Pfaff in 1960 and it is the one she still uses!!!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
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blueroses
True Blue Farmgirl
1323 Posts
Debbie
in the Pandhandle of
Idaho
USA
1323 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2006 : 09:09:32 AM
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Hi Nancy,
Checking out websites today to try and find a zipper foot. Thanks for your advice.
Debbie
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
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sleepless reader
True Blue Farmgirl
1022 Posts
CA
USA
1022 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2006 : 10:35:53 AM
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My husband bought me a Kenmore a few years ago for Christmas. I love it and it's worked great. I also have an ols White in a cabinet that I waqs given after it's dear owner passed on. I have never even turned it on because I don't have the space for the cabinet in my house. Someday soon... At any rate, on either machine, I MUST learn how make button holes!!!
Sharon
Life is messy. Wear your apron! |
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Kate
MaryJane's Farmgirl
135 Posts
Kate
Moscow
ID
USA
135 Posts |
Posted - Mar 20 2006 : 10:58:33 AM
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Oh I love reading about all these special machines and their stories. I now have my very own Singer featherweight sewing machine too. It was an early wedding present from MaryJane. I'm now in love with sewing!! I've made myself three pillows and three skirts (from a pattern I tested for MaryJanes next Stitching Room Work Book). I'm so thrilled with my projects. I now see what all the fuss is about. Thanks MaryJane!!
Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it.....unless they are spelling mistakes. |
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Kathigene
True Blue Farmgirl
160 Posts
Kathy
New York
160 Posts |
Posted - Mar 23 2006 : 07:05:16 AM
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Well guys, I did it. I ordered the refurbished Janome quilting machine last night. I hope I love it. I think I have 30 days to return it so I plan to sew my heart out for a while with it. I also picked up some flannel for $1.00 a yard on clearance. Just saw a print that I liked and then picked up some solid purple because I love purple and then three more solids that coordinated with the print. I have no idea what I'm going to do with the fabric but I couldn't pass up the price. I have tried to use colored pencils and markers and stuff like that to spark my creativity but nothing works for me like the magic of fabric. There is nothing like picking up a bolt of fabric and carrying it across the store and matching it with something on the other side. Or bringing it home to find something already in your stash. I just can't wait to start sewing again! I was there looking for sturdy fabric to make dog crate pads out of. The poor dog still doesn't have anything. Although I did find some rag rugs for $.83 that she will like just fine over a pillow.
Kathy
Dogs make such good friends because they wag their tails rather then their tongues. |
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Susie Q
True Blue Farmgirl
122 Posts
Susan
So. California
USA
122 Posts |
Posted - Mar 23 2006 : 11:26:30 AM
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| I have a Singer Stylist 534. It's about 27 years old. My mama bought it for me when I took the Singer sewing classes for the whole summer. I love it. I have worked on fancier machines but I still like mine the best. It has a good range of basic stitches and can do a button hole. That's what I need it to do. |
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theherblady
True Blue Farmgirl
510 Posts
Jan
Glasford
Illinois
USA
510 Posts |
Posted - Mar 23 2006 : 12:28:01 PM
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I'm not sure if my machine will do a button hole~~
Was talking to some gals and they suggested buying off e-bay...I dont know how I feel about that~
Jan |
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doglady
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Tina
Howard
Ohio
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Mar 23 2006 : 5:49:15 PM
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Hi:
I have a New Home machine. It's about 24 years old and I hope it keeps going! It was one of the first memory computer machines out at the time. However; I rarely use the fancy stitches. My sister started me in sewing when I was about 9 years old. We both still sew and make quilts by hand. We once pieced a quilt by mail for our younger sister's wedding. It turned out great. I started sewing on a machine in school on a Singer and my mom later bought a Kenmore. Both machines were really nice.. All you really need in a machine is forward, backward, and one that you can do a buttonhole with. Just keep at it. If something turns out reallllllly bad, cut it up and make a quilt!
Doglady
The dogs own the house but the people pay the mortgage! |
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Stitching & Crafting Room: What kind of sewing machine do you have? |
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What kind of sewing machine do you have?
